Multiaxis rotational molding method, apparatus and structure

ABSTRACT

Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus ( 11 ) includes a plurality of spaced generally horizontally oriented arm members ( 17-20 ) each having one end ( 21 ) extending from an upstanding frame section ( 22 ) with one mold assembly ( 32-35 ) rotatably mounted adjacent a free end thereof. Each mold assembly includes a plurality of separable mold sections ( 36 ) including plate sections ( 38 ). A plurality of movable elongated mixing chambers ( 47-49 ), each including a plurality of adjacent axially aligned rotatable driven mixing sections ( 52-54 ). A control portion ( 15 ) includes an indexing mechanism ( 67, 68 ) sequentially orienting a dispenser of each mixing chamber with each mold assembly to control formation of molded structures continuously in a preselected multiaxis molding profile. Also, a method of forming molded structures with the molding apparatus is disclosed.

This application, is a continuation-in-part of pending Internationalapplication No. PCT/US95/14194, filed Nov. 3, 1995, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of pending application No. PCT/US95/06301, filedMay 18, 1995, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 08/345,564, filed Nov. 25, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,780,which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.08/249,744, filed May 26, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,632, which inturn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/950,135, filedSep. 24, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,701, which in turn is a divisionof application Ser. No. 07/707,656, filed May 30, 1991, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,188,845, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 07/417,502, filed Oct. 5, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,838,which in turn is a continuation in-part of application Ser. No.07/271,686, filed Nov. 16, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,133, which inturn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/202,267, filedJun. 6, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,135, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 06/890,742, filed Jul. 30,1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,533, which in turn is a division ofapplication Ser. No 06/766,498, filed Aug. 19, 1985, now U.S. Pat. No.4,671,753.

This invention relates to a novel molding method, apparatus andstructure produced thereby and more particularly relates to a newmultiaxis rotational molding method, apparatus and the resultingstructure.

The present invention provides a novel molding method and apparatuswhich not only overcome the deficiencies of present technology but alsoprovide features and advantages not found in earlier expedients. Themultiaxis rotational molding method and apparatus of the inventionprovide a means for the production of a large number of uniform highquality structures rapidly and efficiently.

The multiaxis rotational molding apparatus of the present invention issimple in design and can be produced relatively inexpensively.Commercially available materials, components and conventional metalfabricating procedures can be employed by semi-skilled labor in themanufacture of the apparatus. The apparatus is durable in constructionand has a long useful life with a minimum of maintenance.

The apparatus of the invention can be operated by individuals withlimited mechanical skills and experience. A large number of high qualitymolded structures can be produced rapidly by such persons safely andefficiently with a minimum of supervision.

The molding method and apparatus of the invention can be modified tomold a wide variety of new structures. Variations both in productconfiguration and composition can be attained simply and convenientlywith the method and apparatus of the invention. Even with suchvariations, uniformity and quality of product dimensions and shapesstill are maintained without difficulty.

A novel method of the present invention for continuously formingintegrally molded structures includes the steps of forming a pluralityof polymerizable mixtures by mixing liquid reactive resin formingmaterial and particulate solid additive material substantiallycontinuously while tumbling the materials along a generally cylindricalpath in a preselected orientation. The direction of the tumbling isreversed as the materials advance along the cylindrical path.Substantially all of the additive particles are encapsulated with theresin forming material in a preselected thickness.

The method of the invention includes rotating a plurality ofmultisection mold assemblies about a plurality of axes. A freshly formedsupply of a first polymerizable mixture is indexed into alignment with afirst mold assembly. The first polymerizable mixture is flowed oversurfaces of a first enclosed mold cavity within the first mold assembly.The flowing of the first mixture over the first mold cavity surfaces andformation of a first resin therefrom are monitored.

The supply of the first polymerizable mixture then is indexed intoalignment with an adjacent second mold assembly. The first polymerizablemixture is flowed over surfaces of a second enclosed mold cavity withinthe second mold assembly. Simultaneously therewith, a freshly formedsupply of a second polymerizable mixture is indexed into alignment withthe first mold assembly. The second polymerizable mixture is flowed overthe first resin within the second mold cavity. The flowing of the firstand second mixtures within the first and second mold cavities andformation of first and second resins therefrom are monitored.

The supply of the first polymerizable mixture next is indexed intoalignment with an adjacent third mold assembly. The first polymerizablemixture is flowed over surfaces of a third enclosed mold cavity withinthe third mold assembly. Simultaneously therewith, the supply of thesecond polymerizable mixture is indexed into alignment with the secondmold assembly. The second polymerizable mixture is flowed over the firstresin within the second mold cavity. The flowing of the first and secondmixtures within the second and third mold cavities and formation offirst and second resins therefrom are monitored.

The indexing of the supplies of other polymerizable mixtures intoalignment with the mold assemblies and the flowing of the mixtures intothe respective mold cavities is continued until all of the moldassemblies have received the all of the mixtures. Also, the flowing ofthese mixtures and the formation of resins therefrom are monitored.

The rotation of the mold assemblies is continued throughout the steps ofthe continuous molding operation while monitoring individually each axisrotation of the mold assemblies. The monitored flowing of each mixtureand the monitored formation of each resin are coordinated with eachmonitored axis rotation in a preselected profile to form the integrallymolded structures of the resins.

The mold sections of each mold assembly are separated after theintegrally molded structure therein has achieved structural integritywithin the mold cavity. The structure is removed from the separated moldsections and the steps are repeated to form a multiplicity of the moldedstructures on a continuing basis.

If desired, solid particles may be introduced into the mold cavity of amold assembly and the particles distributed in a preselectedconfiguration before indexing the supply of a polymerizable mixture intoalignment with the respective mold assembly. Also, the flowing of atleast one of the polymerizable mixtures into a mold cavity may beaccomplished through a delivery conduit while it is being withdrawnthrough the mold cavity.

Preferably, each mold assembly is transferred to an adjacent moldreceiving station prior to separating the mold sections, removing themolded structure and returning the mold assembly to a molding positionfor repeating the method of the invention. A plurality of moldassemblies may be provided for each molding position so molding cancontinue while other mold assemblies are being opened and being preparedfor another molding cycle. Cavity changing inserts may be positionedinto the mold cavity while the mold sections are separated.

Benefits and advantages of the novel multiaxis rotatable molding methodand apparatus of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one form of multiaxis rotational moldingapparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top view of the molding apparatus shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the mixing and moldingportions of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side illustration of another form of a mixingportion of the molding apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are sectional views taken along lines 5—5 and 6—6respectively of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view in perspective of a mold assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side view of another form of multiaxisrotational molding apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a left end view of the molding apparatus shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, one form of multiaxis rotationalmolding apparatus 11 of the present invention includes a support portion12, a molding portion 13, a mixing portion 14 and a control portion 15.

The support portion 12 of the multiaxis rotational molding apparatus 11of the invention includes a plurality of arm members 17,18,19,20disposed in a generally horizontal orientation. One end 21 of each armmember 17-20 extends from an upstanding frame section 22.Advantageously, the upstanding frame section 22 includes a centralupstanding section 23 from which the arm members extend radially asshown in the drawings.

The molding portion 13 of the rotational molding apparatus 11 includes aplurality of mold supporting assemblies 26. One mold supporting assemblyis rotatably mounted adjacent a free end 24 of each arm member 17-20.Each mold supporting assembly 26 includes an independently rotatablemold connector section 27. Each mold supporting assembly also includes acentral passage 28 therethrough. The central passage extends from arotatable connection 29 with the respective arm member and through themold connector section 27.

The mold connector section 27 preferably includes spaced supportsections 30 disposed along central passage 28 therethrough. Each armmember 17-20 advantageously also may includes one or more pivotalconnections 31 along its length.

The molding portion 13 further includes a plurality of mold assemblies32,33,34,35. Each mold assembly includes a plurality of separable moldsections 36 forming a substantially enclosed mold cavity 37.

As shown in FIG. 7, mold sections 36 may include plate sections 38. Theplate sections may be substantially flat or may be of anotherconfiguration such as corresponding to that of a product being molded.The plate sections may include cavity surfaces with wear resistance,lubricity and/or other special properties with or without underlyingfoam as may be formed with the method of the invention.

Connecting means e.g. electromagnets 39, selectively secure the moldsections together. Also, connecting means 40 secure the assembled moldsections to mold connector section 27. Advantageously, mold sections 36include flanges 42 overlapping adjacent sections. Sections 36 mayinclude an opening 43 therethrough which may be disposed concentricallywith a delivery conduit 44 (FIG. 3) during the molding operation. Thedelivery conduit preferably is capable of being withdrawn from the moldcavity 37 at a preselected rate.

A short tubular member advantageously may be affixed within an opening43. The tubular member may function as a funnel 45 (FIG. 3) tofacilitate introduction of material into the mold cavity. Also, atubular member may interconnect with a similar tube 46 (FIG. 7) in anadjacent structural unit to provide communication between cavities ofassembled structures.

The mixing portion 14 of the multiaxis rotational molding apparatus 11of the present invention includes a plurality of elongated mixingchambers 47,48,49. The mixing chambers are adjustably mounted in agenerally inclined orientation on horizontal beams 50 extending fromframe section 22. The mixing chambers and the mold assemblies aremounted for relative movement therebetween.

Each mixing chamber 47-49 includes a plurality of adjacent axiallyaligned rotatable mixing sections 52, 53, 54. Advantageously, theorientation of each mixing section is adjustable with respect to that ofadjacent mixing sections as shown in FIG. 4.

Although the internal surfaces of the mixing sections usually aresmooth, it may be desirable to utilize roughened surfaces, inwardlyextending protrusions, e.g. blades, vanes, and the like. With suchconstructions, it is preferred that means be provided to clean thesurfaces periodically. For example, blades or vanes can be retractableto remove any materials adhering thereto. Also, the mixing sections maybe constructed of separable housings 51.

The sections 52-54 are operatively connected with slip members 55, 56.The sections of each mixing chamber are supported on spaced rollers 57mounted on the ends of arm members 58 which extend upwardly from a basesection 59. Base section 59 in turn is adjustablly disposed onhorizontal beam 50.

The mixing portion 14 includes independent drive means for each mixingsection 52-54. As shown in the drawings, each drive means includes amotor 61 with a sprocket 62 engaging a ring gear 63 either directly orthrough a chain.

Advantageously, the mixing portion also may include a solid particlefeeding hopper 64 which is operable independently of the mixing chambers47-49. As shown in the drawings, the molding apparatus 11 preferablyincludes mold assembly receiving stations 65 adjacent each arm member17-20.

The control portion 15 of the molding apparatus 11 of the presentinvention includes actuating means including drive means 67,68 for eachmold assembly. One drive means 67 rotates each mold supporting assembly26 and the mold assembly 32-35 affixed thereto. Another drive means 68rotates each mold supporting assembly 26 and the mold assembly affixedthereto along an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of rotationachieved with drive means 67. Other drive means may be provided foropening, closing, transferring mold assemblies, driving mixing elements,etc. as required.

The control portion 15 also includes programmable memory means 70,coordinating means 71, monitoring means 72 and circuitry therefor. Thedrive means 67,68 advantageously include gear motors, chains andsprockets connected thereto. Preferably, the gear motors are variablespeed motors. The actuating means may activate other components such aspumps, valves, drives, electromagnets, etc. Preferably, the monitoringmeans 72 includes optical fibers 73 extending through the mold sections36 as shown in FIG. 7.

The coordinating means 71 advantageously includes a process controller74 that initiates changes in the flows of materials and speeds of drivesfor each mold assembly to bring variations therein back to therespective rates specified in the programs present in the memory 70.This coordination commonly is achieved through the transmission ofinformation such as digital pulses from the monitors and/or sensors atthe control components to the process controller 74.

The operating information is compared with the preselected programmingparameters stored in the memory 70. If differences are detected,instructions from the controller change the operation of the componentsto restore the various operations to the preselected processingspecifications.

In the use of the multiaxis rotational molding apparatus 11 of thepresent invention, the designs of the structures desired first areestablished. Then, each design is programmed into the memory 70.

To start the operation of the apparatus 11, buttons and/or switches of acontrol panel (not shown) are depressed to activate the memory 70 andthe other components of the control portion 15. The coordinating means71 energizes drive means 67,68.

Also, monitors 72 and pumps, valves, etc. (not shown) are energized bythe coordinating means 71 in the preselected sequences of the programstored in the memory 70. This causes the raw materials in reservoirs80,81,82 to advance along inlet conduits (not shown) toward therespective mixing chambers 47-49 located above each of the moldassemblies 32-35 of the molding apparatus 11. For example, to mold astructure including a polyurethane resin, reservoir 80 may contain aliquid reactive resin forming material, reservoir 81 a particulate solidrecyclable material and reservoir 82 and other reservoirs colors,catalysts, etc. as required.

To produce high quality molded structures of the invention, it isimportant that the raw material delivered to each mixing chamber beuniform in volume and composition. This can be facilitated by providinga continuous flow of raw materials to each mixing chamber and theimmediate transfer of each mixture therefrom onto the cavity surface ofa mold assembly 32-35. Advantageously, a separate bypass conduit (notshown) is utilized from the end of each inlet conduit at a pointadjacent a particular mixing chamber back to the respective reservoir.The control portion 15 coordinates the operation of the various systemcomponents so the preselected quantities of the required materials aredelivered to each mixing chamber.

The liquid reactive resin forming material and the particulate solidadditive material enter into the rotating upper mixing section 52simultaneously. The additive particles and the liquid resin formers aremixed as they advance from section 52 to section 53 and into section 54.

The mixing of the materials can be influenced by changing the operatingparameters in each section. For example, the speed of rotation and/orthe inclination of a particular section can be changed and even thedirection of rotation can be reversed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the position of the materials at differentpoints along the mixing chamber. FIG. 5 shows the materials in a sectionbeing rotated in a clockwise direction and FIG. 6 rotation in acounterclockwise rotation. In the rotation of each section, as thematerials reach stationary wiper blade 84, the materials are separatedfrom the inner surface of the section and tumble to the bottom of thesection. The partially mixed materials again adhere to the surface andtravel upward into contact with the blade, are separated therefrom andtumble to the bottom of the section.

Each freshly formed polymerizable mixture is delivered from a particularmixing chamber 47-49 into a preselected cavity 37 of a rotating moldassembly 32-35. Each mold assembly is rotated about an axis concentricwith that of mold connector section 27 and about a second axisperpendicular to its concentric axis. The multiple axis rotationalmovement and any arcuate movement are continued to complete the flow ofthe mixture over all areas being covered within a particular moldcavity. All movements are controlled within the parameters stored in thememory 70.

For particular structures, the movements about the respective axes maybe continuous and/or intermittent at changing rates. Also, it may bedesirable to provide arcuate rotation, that is, movement about an arcsuch as a rocking motion.

Monitors 72 located within each mold assembly 32-35 signal the processcontroller 74 when each polymerizable mixture has been distributed overthe preselected areas of the respective mold cavity so the controllercan initiate the next step of the molding method.

For example, with the control components of the molding apparatus 11activated, a first mixing chamber 47 is indexed into alignment with thefirst mold assembly 32. A first freshly formed polymerizable mixtureflows from the mixing chamber into mold cavity 37 and flows over thecavity surface and a first resin layer is formed therein. The flowing ofthe first mixture over the cavity surfaces and formation of a firstresin therefrom are monitored.

Thereafter, the first mixing chamber 47 is indexed into alignment withan adjacent second mold assembly 35 and the first polymerizable mixtureflowed into the mold cavity thereof. Simultaneously therewith, a secondmixing chamber 48 is indexed into alignment with the first mold assembly32 and a second polymerizable mixture is delivered into the mold cavityof the first mold assembly 32 flowing over the first resin formed in thecavity. The flowing of the first and second mixtures within the firstand second mold cavities and formation of a first and second resintherefrom are monitored.

Next, the first mixing chamber 47 is indexed into alignment with a thirdmold cavity of an adjacent third mold assembly 34 and the first mixtureflowed over the cavity surfaces. Simultaneously therewith, the secondmixing chamber 48 is indexed into alignment with the second mold cavityof the second mold assembly 35 and the second mixture flowed over thefirst resin formed therein. The flowing of the first and second resinsand formation of a first and second resin therefrom are monitored.

The indexing of the first and second mixing chambers 47,48 as well asmixing chamber 49 and solid particle hopper 64 into alignment with eachmold assembly and the flowing of each mixture into each mold cavity ofany additional mold assemblies is continued until all of the moldassemblies have received the mixtures according to the preselectedmolding parameters. The monitoring of the mixture flow, resin formationand mold assembly rotation is continued throughout the molding operationas well as the coordinating of this operating information with thepreselected program profile.

When a molded structure within a mold cavity is sufficiently cured thatit possesses structural integrity, rotation of the respective moldassembly is stopped and the mold assembly is transferred to an adjacentmold receiving station 65 with hoist means 66. The mold sections 36 areseparated to free the structural unit.

The molded structure then may be set aside to complete the curing of theresin therein. During this period, the molded structure, free of themold's restraint, stresses the high density outer skin or layer. Thisstressing of the skin increases the strength and puncture resistancethereof and also the structural strength of the unit itself.

The mold sections 36 are prepared for another molding cycle. This mayinclude changing the position of one or more mold sections with respectto each other, the substitution of mold sections with differentconfigurations and the like. Also, cavity changing inserts (not shown)may be positioned against the plate sections, if desired.

The mold sections 36 then are assembled together and secured such as byenergizing electromagnets 39. The mold assembly now is ready forrepositioning on the adjacent arm member when the next mold assembly isremoved therefrom.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate schematically another form of rotationalmolding apparatus 86 of the present invention. The apparatus providesfor the arrangement of a plurality of molding assemblies 87,88 in astraight line with mixing chambers 89,90 traveling from one moldassembly to the next along overhead tracks 91,92. In other respects, theapparatus may include components similar to those of apparatus 11 asdescribed above.

The polymerizable mixtures employed to produce the structures of theinvention are selected to be capable of reaction to form the particularresin desired in the final structure. Advantageously, the resin is athermosetting resin such as a polyurethane or polyester. Should apolyurethane be desired, one reservoir 80-82 may contain an isocyanateand another reservoir may contain a polyol. More commonly, thereservoirs may contain different partially formed materials which uponmixing interact to form the desired polyurethane. Examples of suchpartially formed materials include so-called “A stage” resins and “Bstage” resins.

Other resin forming systems may utilize a resin forming material in onereservoir and a catalyst in a second reservoir. Additional componentscan be pre-mixed with one of the resin formers, e.g. fillers,reinforcements, colors and the like.

The particulate solid additive material may be any of a wide variety ofmaterials which impart special properties to the final structure such aswear resistance, lubricity, electrical, magnetic, temperatureconductivity or isolation, and the like. Some inexpensive particulatematerials generally are readily available at a particular job site.Natural mineral particulate material such as sand and gravel normallyare present or can be produced simply by crushing rock at the site.

Waste or recycled materials which can be shredded or ground intoparticles of suitable size can be utilized. Particularly useful areparticles formed by shredding or grinding discarded tires and similarproducts. Since the particles are encapsulated with the resin formingmaterial and not saturated therewith, many different waste materials maybe employed.

The above description and the accompanying drawings show that thepresent invention provides a novel multiaxis rotational molding methodand apparatus which not only overcome the deficiencies and shortcomingsof earlier expedients, but in addition provide novel features andadvantages not found previously. The method and apparatus of theinvention provide simple inexpensive means for producing uniform highquality products efficiently and at high rates of production.

The apparatus of the invention is efficient in its design and operationand is relatively inexpensive. Commercially available materials andcomponents can be utilized in the fabrication of the apparatus usingconventional metal working techniques and procedures.

Structures can be produced automatically with the apparatus of theinvention by operators with limited experience and aptitude after ashort period of instruction. The apparatus is durable in constructionand has a long useful life with a minimum of maintenance.

The method and apparatus of the invention can be utilized to mold a widevariety of new and different structures. Variations in configuration andcomposition of the products can be achieved simply and quickly with themethod and apparatus of the invention.

It will be apparent that various modifications can be made in themultiaxis rotational molding method and apparatus and structures formedtherewith described in detail above and shown in the drawings within thescope of the present invention. The size, configuration and arrangementof components can be changed to meet specific requirements. For example,the mold assemblies and mixing chambers may be arranged differently withrespect to one another. In addition, the number and sequence ofprocessing steps may be different. Also, the structures may includeother components and ingredients as desired.

These and other changes can be made in the method, apparatus andstructure described provided the functioning and operation thereof arenot adversely affected. Therefore, the scope of the present invention isto be limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus includinga support portion, a molding portion, a mixing portion and a controlportion; said support portion including an upstanding frame section, aplurality of spaced generally horizontally oriented arm members eachhaving one end extending from said upstanding frame section; saidmolding portion including a plurality of mold supporting assemblies withone supporting assembly rotatably mounted adjacent a free end of each ofsaid arm members, each of said mold supporting assemblies including anindependently rotatable mold connector section, each of said moldsupporting assemblies including a central passage therethrough from arotatable connection with said arm member and through said moldconnector section, a plurality of mold assemblies each including aplurality of separable mold sections forming a substantially enclosedcavity, connecting means selectively securing said mold sections of onemold assembly together and to said mold connector section; said mixingportion including a plurality of independently movable elongated mixingchambers adjustably mounted on said frame section adjacent said moldassemblies, each of said mixing chambers including a plurality ofadjacent axially aligned rotatable mixing sections, independent drivemeans rotating each of said mixing sections about a central axis; saidcontrol portion including indexing means disposed on said frame sectionsequentially orienting each of said mixing chambers with each moldcavity, actuating means rotating each mold connector section and saidmold assembly affixed thereto and actuating means pivoting each moldsupporting assembly and said mold assembly affixed thereto with respectto said arm member, programmable memory means storing preselectedoperating parameters, monitoring means sensing operating informationfrom control components, circuitry transmitting signals from saidmonitoring means to coordinating means comparing said operatinginformation with said operating parameters stored in said memory meansand activating said indexing means and said actuating means to controlformation of molded structures with said molding apparatus continuouslyin a preselected multiaxis molding profile.
 2. Multiaxis rotationalmolding apparatus according to claim 1 including positioning meansadjusting the orientation of each mixing section with respect toadjacent mixing sections.
 3. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said mixing sections are operativelyconnected with slip members.
 4. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein said positioning means includes sensingmeans and actuating means.
 5. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said mixing sections include separablehousings.
 6. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus according to claim 1including drive means providing relative movement between said mixingchambers and said mold assemblies.
 7. Multiaxis rotational moldingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said control portion includesactuating means separating and assembling said mold sections. 8.Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus according to claim 1 including amold assembly receiving station adjacent said free end of each of saidarm members.
 9. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus according toclaim 8 including means for transferring a mold assembly between saidarm member and said adjacent mold receiving station.
 10. Multiaxisrotational molding apparatus according to claim 1 including dispensingmeans which includes a delivery conduit extendable into said mold cavitythrough said central passage of said mold supporting assembly. 11.Multiaxis rotational molding apparatus according to claim 10 includingwithdrawal means capable of withdrawing said delivery conduit from saidmold cavity at a preselected rate.
 12. Multiaxis rotational moldingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein said plate sections include anopening therethrough.
 13. Multiaxis rotational molding apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said rotatable mold connector sectionincludes spaced support sections disposed along said central passagetherethrough.
 14. A method of continuously forming integrally moldedstructures in a multiaxis rotational molding operation including thesteps of forming a plurality of preselected polymerizable mixturesincluding mixing liquid reactive resin forming material and particulatesolid additive material substantially continuously while tumbling saidmaterials along a generally cylindrical path in a preselectedorientation and reversing the direction of said tumbling as saidmaterials advance along said cylindrical path; rotating a plurality ofmultisection mold assemblies about a plurality of axes, indexing afreshly formed supply of a first polymerizable mixture into alignmentwith a first mold assembly, flowing said first polymerizable mixtureover surfaces of a first enclosed mold cavity within said first moldassembly, monitoring said flowing of said first mixture over said firstmold cavity surfaces and formation of a first resin therefrom, indexingsaid supply of said first polymerizable mixture into alignment with anadjacent second mold assembly, flowing said first polymerizable mixtureover surfaces of a second enclosed mold cavity within said second moldassembly, simultaneously therewith indexing a freshly formed supply of asecond polymerizable mixture into alignment with said first moldassembly, flowing said second polymerizable mixture over said firstresin within said first mold cavity, monitoring said flowing of saidfirst and second mixtures within said first and second mold cavities andformation of a first and second resin therefrom, indexing said supply ofsaid first polymerizable mixture into alignment with an adjacent thirdmold assembly, flowing said first polymerizable mixture over surfaces ofa third enclosed mold cavity within said third mold assembly,simultaneously therewith indexing said supply of said secondpolymerizable mixture into alignment with said second mold assembly,flowing said second polymerizable mixture over said first resin withinsaid second mold cavity, monitoring said flowing of said first andsecond polymerizable mixtures within said second and third mold cavitiesand formation of first and second resins therefrom, continuing saidindexing of said supplies of other of said polymerizable mixtures intoalignment with said mold assemblies and the flowing of said mixturesinto the respective mold cavities until all of the mold assemblies havereceived all of said mixtures, monitoring said flowing of said mixturesand formation of resins therefrom, continuing said rotation of said moldassemblies throughout said steps of said continuous molding operationwhile monitoring individually each axis rotation of said moldassemblies, and coordinating said monitored flowing of each mixture andsaid monitored formation of each resin with each monitored axis rotationin a preselected profile to form said integrally molded structures ofsaid resins, separating said mold sections of each mold assembly aftereach integrally molded structure therein has achieved structuralintegrity within said mold cavity, removing said integrally moldedstructure from said separated mold sections and repeating said steps toform a multiplicity of said integrally molded structures on a continuingbasis.
 15. A method of continuously forming integrally molded structuresaccording to the method of claim 14 including the step of changingorientation along preselected sections of said cylindircal path duringformation of said polymerizable mixtures.
 16. A method of continuouslyforming integrally molded structures according to the method of claim 14including the step of adding materials along preselected sections ofsaid cylindrical path during formation of said polymerizable mixtures.17. A method of continuously forming integrally molded structuresaccording to the method of claim 14 including the steps of transferringeach mold assembly to an adjacent mold receiving station prior toseparating said mold sections and removing said structure from saidseparated mold sections and thereafter returning said mold assembly to amolding position for repeating the above steps.
 18. A method ofcontinuously forming integrally molded structures according to themethod of claim 14 including the step of changing the position of saidmold sections with respect to each other prior to reassembling said moldsections and repeating the above steps.
 19. A method of continuouslyforming integrally molded structures according to the method of claim 14including the steps of introducing solid particles into a mold cavityand distributing said particles into a preselected configuration beforeindexing said supplies of said polymerizable mixtures into alignmentwith said mold assemblies.
 20. A method of continuously formingintegrally molded structures according to the method of claim 14including the step of flowing at least one of said polymerizablemixtures into a mold cavity while a delivery conduit is being withdrawnthrough said mold cavity.